London Gang Leader Spends 30 Years in Prison - Dwaine Patterson Tells His Story

Added: Feb 20, 2024

Family Life and Early Triggers

Dwaine talks about his family life, mentioning his young parents, his father's painting and decorating business, and his mother's work as a seamstress. He has nine sisters and five brothers, none of whom have been in trouble with the law. Dwaine recalls a pivotal moment at the age of 10 when he was attacked by a group of kids, leading him to retaliate with violence and setting the stage for his future behavior.

Incarceration and Violence

Dwaine discusses his time in secure units and later in Feltham Young Offenders Institution, where he experienced a culture of violence and aggression. He reflects on the conditioning he underwent to view extreme violence as a means of communication and survival. He also shares the impact of his actions, including an incident where he severed a young person's finger, leading to a five-year sentence at the age of 15.

Challenges Upon Release

Upon his release at 18, Dwaine faced challenges reintegrating into society. He struggled to open bank accounts due to his criminal record, highlighting the lack of second chances for ex-offenders. His relationship with his parents, particularly his mother, weighs heavily on him as he recognizes the pain he has caused them through his actions.

Shift in Dynamics and Calculated Moves

As Dwaine navigates the post-release world, he observes changes in group dynamics and the escalation of violence to include firearms. He adopts a survival mindset, viewing interactions as a game of chess boxing where offensive actions are necessary for self-preservation. Dwaine's decision to acquire firearms reflects his shift towards a more aggressive and calculated approach to his criminal activities.

Lack of Guidance and Repeated Incarceration

Despite the advice and support from family members and elders, Dwaine finds himself back in prison at the age of 20, engaging in criminal activities involving firearms. He acknowledges the attempts made by his family to steer him in the right direction but admits to not fully heeding their advice. His cycle of incarceration and criminal behavior continues, leading to further remorse and reflection on the impact on his loved ones.

Early Life and Influences

Dwaine talks about the lack of positive role models and the influence of older family members involved in criminal activities. He explains how he felt the need to protect himself and gain respect in a hostile environment, leading him down a destructive path.

Criminal Activities and Mindset

As Dwaine got involved in criminal activities, he adopted a mindset of desensitization and justification for his actions. He talks about the code of conduct among criminals and the lack of empathy towards victims. He reflects on a specific incident where he shot two individuals, highlighting his lack of remorse at the time.

Consequences and Reflection

After the shooting incident, Dwaine handed himself in and was sentenced to a discretionary life sentence. He discusses the shock of receiving a harsh sentence and the realization of the impact of his actions. He acknowledges his lack of concern for the victims and the ripple effect of his behavior on others.

Prison Experience and Escapade

Dwaine shares his experiences in prison, including multiple transfers and conflicts with authorities. He recounts an escape attempt during a court appearance, where he and a co-defendant tried to flee but were apprehended. He reflects on the humiliation and consequences of the escape attempt, leading to additional charges and a concurrent sentence.

Patterson shares his experiences of being placed in solitary confinement for extended periods, facing harsh treatment from officers, and dealing with the isolation and cold conditions. He reflects on the impact of being in solitary confinement on his mental health and the strategies he used to cope with the challenges he faced. He also discusses the unfairness of the system and the lack of accountability for the treatment of inmates in solitary confinement.

Transition to Questioning Actions

Dwaine reflects on his past actions and the moment when he started questioning the things he had done. He talks about justifying his behavior in the past but eventually realizing the need to take responsibility for his actions. He discusses the shift in his mentality and the realization that he needed to change his ways.

Encounter with the System

Dwaine recounts various encounters with the prison system, including conflicts with officers and other inmates. He talks about instances where he was accused of various activities and the repercussions he faced as a result.

Embracing Islam

Dwaine explains his decision to embrace Islam at the age of 16. He talks about his upbringing in a religious family and his curiosity about different faiths. He shares how he found solace in Islam and the challenges he faced within the prison system as a Muslim. He discusses the discrimination and bullying he experienced but also highlights the sense of community and support he found among fellow Muslims.

Conflict and Escalation

Dwaine delves into the conflicts and tensions within the prison system, particularly between different groups of inmates. He talks about the escalation of violence and the underlying issues that led to confrontations. Dwaine discusses the challenges of navigating the complex dynamics within the prison environment and the impact it had on his own experiences.

Finding strength and resilience

Despite the difficulties he faced, Patterson found strength in his faith, family, friends, patience, and discipline. He recalls moments of reflection and self-discovery during his time in solitary confinement, where he found solace in reading books and connecting with his inner self. He also acknowledges the support he received from fellow inmates and officers who showed kindness and understanding during his lowest moments.

Legal battles and court cases

Patterson recounts the legal battles he went through, including being falsely accused of serious offenses and facing multiple court trials. He discusses the challenges of navigating the legal system and the unfairness of being judged by the parole board based on their own beliefs rather than court verdicts. Despite facing setbacks in court, he maintains his innocence and refuses to implicate others to win his case.

Transformation and rehabilitation

Through interactions with supportive officers and fellow inmates, Patterson gradually starts to make positive changes in his behavior and attitude. He reflects on the impact of female officers who showed understanding and empathy towards him, leading to a shift in his perspective and willingness to cooperate with the prison system. He also acknowledges the influence of younger inmates who looked up to him as a mentor figure, prompting him to set a positive example for them.

Transition to open conditions

After years of being in solitary confinement and facing numerous challenges, Patterson finally transitions to open conditions where he experiences a warm reception from fellow inmates. He reflects on the changes in dynamics and relationships within the prison environment, as well as the support he receives from both officers and inmates as he prepares for release.

Lessons learned and moving forward

As he navigates the final stages of his prison sentence, Patterson reflects on the lessons he has learned and the personal growth he has experienced during his time behind bars. He acknowledges the impact of his past actions and the importance of taking responsibility for his behavior. Despite the hardships he faced, he remains hopeful for the future and committed to making positive changes in his life.

Challenges and Regrets

Dwaine opens up about the challenges he faced upon his release from prison, including adjusting to life on the outside and dealing with the stigma of his past. He expresses regret for the lives he may have negatively impacted during his criminal days and acknowledges the need to make amends and contribute positively to society.

Lessons Learned

Through his experiences, Dwaine has learned valuable lessons about forgiveness, empathy, and the importance of second chances. He emphasizes the need to understand and support individuals who have made mistakes in the past, as they too deserve a chance to redeem themselves and lead a better life.

Future Goals

Looking ahead, Dwaine is determined to use his experiences to help others and make a positive impact on society. He aspires to be a voice for the voiceless and advocate for better systems and support for incarcerated individuals. He also aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by ex-convicts and promote understanding and compassion in the community.